Re-purpose + Valentine's Day + Making a Difference

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A few weeks ago my boyfriend's family threw his mom a surprise 60th birthday party. I was in charge of favors and table center pieces. Working within a strict budget it was decided that I would purchase inexpensive vases, spray paint them, and create a small display using baby's breath.

How was the party you ask? It was a success!

 

But once it was done I couldn't help but think, "What do I do with 10 red vases?" 

 

* throw them away...I mean they only cost $1.00 each

* store them for another occasion...who know when that could be

* re-invent their purpose

  

You can probably guess which one I chose.

 

So...I brainstormed. The first purpose of these vases was to be a simple center piece in the celebration of someone's milestone birthday. That mission was accomplished.

 

The main question: How could I give these vases a second shot at creating happiness?
 

BRAINSTORM: re-purpose + donate + Valentine's Day + loneliness + smile = ??? 

 

 

Create simple flower arrangements & deliver to a nursing home!

 

 So...I purchased inexpensive flowers and heart embellishments and got to work.

  

 15 minutes later...ready to go!

 

On Valentine's Day I delivered 10 arrangements to the nursing home down the street. My hope is that the arrangements were given to those folks who needed something to brighten their day.

 

I know you don't have left over party vases at your house to participate in this act of kindness, but I bet you have generic, left over, cupboard crowding vases from past year birthday or anniversary flower arrangements. You many even have old coffee cups/tea cups or mason jars that need re-purposing.

 

(1) Flower arrangement can make a difference in someone's life.

 

If you don't believe so, read the below Huffington Post story and then go get creative.

 

{Free Flowers For Valentine's Day Elicits A Surprisingly Touching Reaction} 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did You Know - Go Fund Me

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Did you know there is a website that is helping many different people in many different ways?

If you are in the giving mood but not sure how or where to give...you just know you want to do it...log on to your computer! Go Fund Me is a great website that allows you to send donations to whatever particular cause that pulls at your heart strings. Maybe you want to help the man who needs a kidney transplant or the dog that needs an operation or the kid that needs financial help so she can go on a class trip (there are 20 categories to choose from).

The great thing about Go Fund Me is you get to personally help someone in a significant way and make a difference in their life. Donate any amount. If all you can afford is $1.00 that is okay. Any amount is appreciated.

Side Note: If you are an animal softy like me, check out the Animals & Pets link. The generosity displayed by total strangers to help these animals is so wonderful. It just may bring a tear to your eye.

My donation was in honor of my late Fat Kitty. Good luck Tom the cat!

www.gofundme.com

Did You Know - Operation Photo Rescue

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Did you know there is an non-profit organization that digitally restores photographs that have been damaged by disasters. For example, Operation Photo Rescue helped survivors of Hurricane Sandy restore priceless family photos damaged by water/wind/etc.

For a small donation you can help families restore their precious memories. Go ahead, click on the link below and check out their website!

www.operationphotorescue.org

 

Gather School Supplies in December (Donation Opportunity)

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I know you've taken the time to donate to Toys for Tots, given money to the Salvation Army bell ringers and donated gently used or new items to local people/pets in need...but have you thought about picking up school supplies to donate to children who can't afford them?

Yes, I know...it is December and I'm talking about next August. Hear me out.

Being thoughtful can be overwhelming. You have the best intentions of helping as many people as you can, but sometimes the bank account can't handle all of the goodness you'd like to spread.

The Plan: PLAN AHEAD!

I was at my local Office Depot two weeks ago and stumbled upon their clearance area.

Wowza! It was exciting!

Look what I found...

What really excited me was knowing that I would be able to make a difference in 10 little kids lives next school year and pay next to nothing.

I combined each of the items to create a "set." My total cost per set and total spent was...(drum roll please...)

 

Yes, that is correct. I bought 10 binders, 10 calculators, 10 rulers and 10 pencil pouches for $10.70.

Want to know what is crazy...if I would have purchased all of the items at regular price I would have spent $129.60 (not including tax).

 

The lesson here is to practice awareness and think about how you can be thoughtful...even if the particular thoughtful idea is not in season.